epi·du·ral
ˌe-pi-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl 
: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater
epidural anesthesia
an epidural abscess
: an injection of a local anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater of the spinal cord in the lower back region to produce loss of sensation especially in the abdomen or pelvic region
Examples of epidural in a Sentence
Noun
Many women undergoing childbirth are given epidurals.
Recent Examples on the Web
New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024
Additionally, people who take anticoagulants are at a greater risk of an epidural or spinal hematoma while undergoing anesthesia or spinal puncture.17
Nitrates
Nitrates are helpful in the management and treatment of angina (chest pain).
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024
Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Spinals and epidurals numb a large body region but can be used for different procedures.
—Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for epidural 
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Adjective
For the study, ‘multimodal analgesia’ was defined as the administration of an opioid plus at least one other form of pain medication, such as a local anesthetic (epidural or pain patch on the skin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), intravenous ketamine, or oral gabapentin.
—New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024
Additionally, people who take anticoagulants are at a greater risk of an epidural or spinal hematoma while undergoing anesthesia or spinal puncture.17
Nitrates
Nitrates are helpful in the management and treatment of angina (chest pain).
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024
Noun
The American Society of Anesthesiologists estimates more than 60 percent of women in labor choose to have an epidural.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024
Spinals and epidurals numb a large body region but can be used for different procedures.
—Femi Aremu, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for epidural
Dictionary Entries Near epidural
Cite this Entry
“Epidural.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epidural. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
epidural
1 of 2 adjective
epi·du·ral
ˌep-i-ˈd(y)u̇r-əl
: situated upon or administered or placed outside the dura mater
epidural injections
an epidural abscess
epidural
2 of 2 noun
: an injection of an anesthetic to produce epidural anesthesia
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